Federal Judge Disqualifies Trump-Appointed Acting US Attorney in California for Unlawful Service

A federal judge ruled that Bill Essayli, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, has been unlawfully serving beyond the 120-day limit allowed by federal law. The judge stated that Essayli's appointment was invalid because he resigned from the interim role and was then improperly reappointed, a maneuver the court deemed illegal. Despite disqualifying Essayli from acting as U.S. Attorney, the judge allowed him to continue serving as the office's first assistant U.S. attorney. The ruling follows similar decisions in other districts, reflecting judicial pushback against the Trump administration's efforts to extend acting prosecutors' tenures without Senate confirmation. The judge also noted that although the indictments overseen by Essayli remain valid since other attorneys signed them, the situation creates leadership uncertainty in the nation's largest judicial district. This case may also impact other Trump-appointed prosecutors, including Lindsey Halligan, who signed indictments against high-profile figures.